Bisola Oyediran, one of IFPRI’s communications experts, facilitating a session on social media audiences at the Policy Communications Training held in Kebbi (c) 2018 IFPRI/Elisabeth Douglas. It is difficult to refute the importance of the role that journalists play in setting the agenda and shaping national discussions on issues. As gatekeepers of information, they are vital stakeholders in ensuring an environment where policy decisions are sound and evidence-based. In recognition of this fact, two Communications Experts from the Nigeria Strategy Support Program of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI-NSSP) trained 23 journalists on the basics of Policy Communications on 31 October – 1 November 2018 in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State capital. Facilitators and participants of the Policy Communications Training held
Participants and facilitators of the Policy Communications Training held in Kebbi State (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran On 29-30 October 2018, the Nigeria Strategy Support Program of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI-NSSP) has carried out an intermediate Policy Communications training in Kebbi state capital, Birnin-Kebbi, as part of efforts towards further strengthening the capacity of Nigerian journalists to drive evidence-based discussions on agricultural policy. The 21 participants (11 male, 10 female) represented a diverse mix in terms of news media ownership with representation of journalists from radio, television and newspapers owned by Kebbi State Government, the Federal Government of Nigeria and the private sector. Elisabeth Douglas, Communications Specialist with IFPRI, facilitating a session during the Policy Communications training for journalists
IFPRI’s Communications Specialist, Elisabeth Douglas, introducing participants to Policy Communication concepts during a training held in Minna (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran From 29-30 August 2018, a team of three trainers from the Abuja Office of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) held a training on policy communications for journalists in Minna, Niger State. The 20 (14 male, 6 female) participants of the training represented various state and national news media firms (radio, television and print) operating in Niger State. Given the importance of journalists in creating an enabling environment for effective policymaking, the training was geared towards strengthening the capacity of journalists to engage effectively in discussions on issues to do with agricultural policy in Nigeria by broadening their
IFPRI and NAERLS Facilitators alongwith participants of the Policy Communications for Advocacy training held in Minna, Niger State. (C) 2018 IFPRI Bisola Oyediran On 27-28 August 2018, a team of three trainers from the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and a staff of the National Agricultural Extension Research Liaison Service (NAERLS) held a training on policy communications in Minna, the capital of Nigeria’s Niger State. The 18 (10 males, 8 females) participants of the training entitled Policy Communications for Advocacy, included farmer groups, extension agents, the state’s Agricultural Development Programme, agrodealers and community-based organizations. The topics covered by the training included an introduction to policy communications, the use of social media, as well as sources of information on agriculture.
IFPRI’s Elisabeth Douglas making a presentation on communication strategies at the follow-up training for journalists of the National Assembly Press Corps in Abuja (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran On 30-31 July, the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) organized a second training for members of the National Assembly Press Corps in Abuja, further building on efforts towards strengthening the policymaking environment for agriculture in Nigeria. The training, which was attended by 14 (9 male and 5 female) journalists, built on the first training held in January 2018 and covered aspects such as strategizing and planning communications and the use of online platforms, including social and other digital media. Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity,
IFPRI’s Elisabeth Douglas making a presentation on the concepts of policy communications at the training in Makurdi (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran From 23-24 July 2018, the Nigeria Strategy Support Program of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI-NSSP) sustained its efforts towards a vibrant and healthy environment for discussion and decision-making in Nigeria’s agricultural sector by organizing a training on policy communications for journalists in Benue State. Participants of the training (7 males and 8 females) included journalists from both private and government-owned, mainstream radio, television and print media firms, as well as online publications. The training covered topics ranging from the introduction of concepts in policy communications, to the use and tracking of content on social media and how
A group photo of participants and facilitators of the policy communications training for journalists in Delta State (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran As part of continuing efforts towards having a vibrant and healthy environment for discussion and decision-making in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Nigeria Strategy Support Program of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI-NSSP) delivered a policy communications training course for journalists in Delta State on 17-18 July 2018. The 19 participants (16 male and 3 female) of the training included journalists from both private and government-owned media houses, representing mainstream radio, television and print firms. Elisabeth Douglas, IFPRI’s Communication Specialist making a presentation on the concepts of policy communications at the training for journalists in Delta State (c) 2018
Drew Sample, IFPRI’s Media Engagement Manager, facilitating a discussion on the role of the news media in policy making (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) has trained 30 of Nigeria’s journalists (19 male, 11 female) in a policy communications masterclass in Abuja. The training workshop was organized on 11-12 June 2018 and included participants from Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, and the states of Cross River, Ebonyi, Kaduna, Kebbi and Niger. Elisabeth Douglas, IFPRI’s Communication Specialist, leading a discussion on policy notes and how to prepare them (c) 2018 IFPRI/Bisola Oyediran The masterclass was led by Mr. Drew Sample, IFPRI’s Media Engagement Manager who is based at the IFPRI Headquarters in Washington DC, alongside Elisabeth